Use FEMA Grants Wisely

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Once approved for FEMA disaster assistance grants, Arkansas disaster survivors receive funds via check or a direct deposit to their checking account. They also receive a letter from FEMA providing information about the grant and how the money must be spent.

Disaster recovery officials urge recipients of federal grants to use the money wisely.

Applicants sign a declaration and a release certifying that all funds will be spent on the expenses for which they are intended. These grants are for repairs, temporary housing and other approved essential disaster-related costs. Arkansas survivors who have questions about their grants should contact FEMA for assistance or visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) or require accommodations while visiting a center, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Housing funds may be used for:

Rental assistance. Applicants who have a continuing need for temporary rental assistance must turn in valid lease and utility receipts to receive additional assistance.Reimbursement for lodging expenses directly related to the disaster.Repairs to windows, doors, water and ventilation systems or other structural elements to return a home to a safe and functional condition.Rebuilding a disaster-damaged home.

Recipients of FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program grants may use the funds for:

Essential personal property, specialized tools for employment, household items, appliances and vehicle repair or replacement.Disaster-related medical, dental, moving and child-care expenses.

Applicants should be sure to update their personal contact information, including addresses, phone numbers and bank accounts. If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, disaster survivors may miss letters or phone calls about their application for assistance or payment status.

FEMA grants cannot duplicate payments from other sources. For example, if a grant recipient receives an insurance settlement covering expenses already paid for by FEMA, those duplicated funds must be returned to FEMA.

For updates on the Arkansas response and recovery, follow the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (@AR_Emergencies) on Twitter and Facebook and adem.arkansas.gov. Additional information is available at fema.gov/disaster/4318.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Original author: crystal.garner
NHC Eastern North Pacific Outlook
NHC Eastern North Pacific Outlook

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